travelmamana

Our friends are traveling to Europe the week before us (Paris/Rome). It seemed a shame not to touch base in Italy so they extended their trip 2 days to meet us in Venice and fly out from Venice to Rome. It was a spur of the moment decision to surprise me since we no longer live close by! But now they can't find an available hotel for 2 nights for 7 people (4 adults, 1 teen and 2 kids). Dates: July 20-21. Please any suggestions would be a welcome! We are in the Riva Schiavoni area. Ideally they want to be close but at this point any neighboring areas would be great.

travelmamana

Meant: Fly out from Venice to the US instead of from Rome.

newtome

I would look on Kayak.com, booking.com and maybe even laterooms.com

travelmamana

Laterooms-all full
Booking.com- avg $1k per night except Mestre area. Way too expensive. Can look at Kayak too but was hoping for anyone with more intimate knowledge of the area.

Hez

Are you ok splitting the reservation to nearby hotels? If so, what would the adult/child split be?

socaltraveler

Looking at venere.com, I see the problem. Weekend in summer, 7 people, 2-3 rooms. There are vacancies but yes, very expensive. Have they booked flights from Venice to Rome already?

janisj

It is very late and you have a large group at the highest of high season. I'd guess you'll need a plan B.

WillTravel

Consider staying in Mestre. I don't think that's the end of the world, although of course staying in Venice is much nicer.
Alternatively, stay in Padua.
Take a look at these sites:
kayak.com (combines hotel rates from a number of sources)

hostelbookers.com (not because you want a hostel, but because this lists small B&Bs and hotels also)

WillTravel

E.g., this place is advertised on Hostelbookers (and also AirBnB):
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels.../venice/87372/

WWK

They could also look at the Lido, which is only about a ten minute vaporetto ride from Venice proper. But I think it's unlikely they're going to find much at this late date and with so many people (!) for July.

WWK

I just checked ALBERGO QUATTRO FONTANE in the Lido, which is where we stayed several years ago, and they do have availability for those dates. Rooms are averaging about $350/night The property is lovely, 4 star boutique hotel, very close to both the beach and vaporetto stop. Good luck!

socaltraveler

Sounds like this Lido hotel might be a good option; if I had to spend a few more $$ last minute I would choose it over Mestre for sure. Honestly, even booking last month your friends would have had similar issues. It is a summer weekend in Venice and they are a large group. Do let us know how it turns out.

travelmamana

Thank you for all your quick responses! Yes, she booked the tickets already. I have passed along all the info and hopefully she will find something!

travelmamana

I'm waiting for all the details but she found an affordable 2 bedroom apartment near San Marco Square! I believe it was through booking.com. Who would have thought an apartment would be avail for just 2 nights? Now that we have all that settled and will have just one dinner together, I"ll have to find a nice restaurant that will seat all 13 of us! Any suggestions? (25-30E per person but elated if less.)